Single use vials for administering eye drops

ABSTRACT

Single-dose vials for liquid solutions (e.g., liquid medicaments) can be designed to be used in conjunction with a medication regimen. A single-dose vial may include a removable member that prevents a liquid solution from escaping, but also allows an individual (e.g., a patient or a medical professional) to readily administer the liquid solution. A single-dose vial could include one or more discrete capsules that include the same or different liquid solutions. For example, multiple capsules could be arranged within a vial so that different liquid solutions are simultaneously or sequentially ejected following removal of the removable member and application of pressure to the multiple capsules (e.g., due to the individual squeezing the vial). Multiple vials can also be connected to one another in a strip configuration, which allows the individual to more easily adhere to a medication regimen that requires multiple doses over a period of time.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a U.S. National Phase Patent Application of PCT International Patent Application No. PCT/US17/37665, titled “SINGLE-USE VIALS FOR ADMINISTERING EYE DROPS” and filed on Jun. 15, 2017, which published as WO 2017/218767 on Dec. 21, 2017, and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/350,654, filed on Jun. 15, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

RELATED FIELD

Various embodiments concern vials of liquid solution and, more specifically, single-use vials that house one or more capsules containing a liquid solution to be administered to one or both eyes.

BACKGROUND

Approximately thirty percent of medication prescriptions are never filled, and nearly fifty percent of medications for chronic diseases (i.e., long-lasting conditions) are not taken as prescribed. Non-adherence to medication regimens has dramatic effects on the health of the individuals and the healthcare costs for society as a whole. In fact, non-adherence has been estimated to cost the U.S. health care system nearly $200 billion annually.

However, compliance with a medication plan (also referred to as a “medication regimen”) may be instrumental to improving or maintaining the health status of an individual. For example, compliance with an ophthalmological medication regiment may be vital for preventing visual loss resulting from chronic eye conditions such as glaucoma. But almost seventy-five percent of patients admit to some form of non-compliant behavior, over thirty percent of patients do not fill their prescriptions, and nearly fifty percent of patients discontinue their prescriptions within six months of it being prescribed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

Embodiments of single-use vials for administering liquid medicament(s) (also referred to as “the technology”) are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements. Various objects, features, and characteristics of the technology will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from a study of the Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts a conventional medication regimen that requires different liquid solutions (some or all of which may include medications) be applied as eye drops at different times throughout the day.

FIG. 2 includes a graph illustrating that a majority of patients who are prescribed a medication regimen discontinue adherence in less than a year.

FIG. 3A depicts a strip of multiple single-use vials (also referred to as “single-dose vials”) containing liquid solution(s) that can be applied to one or both eyes.

FIG. 3B depicts an arrangement of multiple bubbles containing liquid solution(s) that can be applied to one or both eyes.

FIG. 4A depicts a series of single-use vials that include multiple liquid solutions in discrete capsules that can be simultaneously or sequentially administered.

FIG. 4B depicts how microfluidic flow channels can be used to guide liquid solution from one or more discrete capsules to an applicator tip.

FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of a process for manufacturing single-dose vials that include one or more discrete capsules, which each include a liquid solution to be administered by an individual.

FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram of a process for administering a liquid solution (e.g., a saline-based solution that includes a medication) from a single-dose vial.

The figures depict various embodiments of the technology for the purpose of illustration only. While specific embodiments are shown in the drawings, the technology is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternative embodiments may be employed without departing from the principles of the technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A medication regimen is a plan or a regulated course of action(s) (e.g., diet and exercise) that is designed to improve or maintain the health status of an individual. For example, a medication regimen may identify a medication that is to be administered by the individual, the frequency and/or time that dose(s) of the medication are to be administered, the amount/quantity of each dose, etc. Non-adherence can (and often does) have a severe impact on the individual's health.

For example, strict adherence to an ophthalmological medication regimen may be necessary to prevent irreversible visual loss caused by chronic eye conditions such as glaucoma. Many eye conditions are treated using a liquid solution that is applied directly to the eye. These liquid solutions are commonly referred to as “eye drops.”

There are many reasons why individuals may not comply with a medication regimen. An individual could forget to administer the medication, misunderstand the medication regimen, fail to properly apply the medication (e.g., by mistaking the amount/quantity of the dose), forget to refill a prescription, or may simply be unable to afford the medication (and thus may never fill the prescription in the first place).

Severely-affected individuals (i.e., those suffering from an advanced stage of an eye condition) may be prescribed combination therapies that are difficult to track. For example, a severely-affected individual may be prescribed an ophthalmological medication regimen that requires administering timolol twice a day, dorzolamide twice a day, brimonidine twice a day, and latanoprost once a day. Consequently, ophthalmological medication regimens may require that multiple bottles of liquid medicament be accessible in the morning, afternoon, and/or evening.

Moreover, eye drops are typically provided in multi-use containers that make it difficult to comply with some medication regimens. While eye drops may also come in preservative-free containers that house one or more liquid medicaments (also referred to as “agents”) in an approved, mixed combination, these containers are subject to additional regulation because they do not include separate compartments for each liquid medicament. These containers are also not able to create various permutations of drugs as may be prescribed by a medical professional (e.g., an optometrist or ophthalmologist).

Introduced here, therefore, are vials containing solution(s) that can be applied to one or both eyes. More specifically, various embodiments pertain to single-use vials that include one or more capsules containing a liquid solution (e.g., a liquid medicament). Multiple capsules within a single vial can include the same liquid solution or different liquid solutions. The liquid solution(s) within a vial are typically saline-based solutions or emulsions that include a medication for treating an eye condition (which are collectively referred to as “ophthalmic solutions”). However, in some instances the liquid solution may not include any medication, and could instead be intended to serve as a lubricating and/or tear-replacing solution.

A vial may include a tear-away member (or some other easily removable member) that prevents the liquid solution from escaping, but allows an individual (e.g., a patient or medical professional, such as a nurse or ophthalmologist) to readily administer the solution. For example, some embodiments of the vial include a tear-away member composed of the same material as the remainder of the vial, while other embodiments of the vial include a foil cap that can be peeled off the vial.

A vial can also include one or more capsules containing the same or different liquid solutions. For example, multiple capsules could be arranged within a vial so that different liquid solutions are simultaneously or sequentially ejected as pressure is applied to the capsules (e.g., due to an individual squeezing the vial). Multiple capsules within a single vial could have the same or different volumes (e.g., between 15 μL and 45 μL per capsule). Moreover, multiple capsules within a single vial could include liquid solutions having similar or different physical characteristics (e.g., viscosity and surface tension) that affect flow, volume, etc.

The presence of multiple capsules also enables varying volumes of different liquid solutions to be accurately mixed. Such an effect allows the vial to achieve the same volume of a liquid solution (e.g., a liquid medicament) as may be used, for example, in clinical trials. In some embodiments, the microfluidic flow channels leading from the capsules to the applicator tip have different characteristics (e.g., diameters and layout) that allow liquid solutions to be mixed with precision prior to application. For example, the liquid solutions within two capsules could be combined in a mixing ratio of 1.5:1, 2:1, 3:1, etc.

Single-dose vials may be especially useful in eliminating confusion for those individuals who must administer different medications at multiple times throughout the day. For instance, single-dose vials make it easier to track whether a dose of liquid solution (e.g., a liquid medicament) has been administered. Such benefits reduce the risk of prematurely running out of liquid solution when compared to multi-dose bottles, which do not indicate the exact number of doses remaining. Another feature of the vial is the applicator tip, which allows for improved drop administration for those with comorbidities such as arthritis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, etc., that affect an individual's ability to use conventional bottles/vials.

In some embodiments, multiple single-dose vials are connected to one another in a strip configuration. A strip may include all of the liquid solutions that are to be applied in a day, week, etc. For example, a strip may include seven vials that correspond to each day of the week. Each vial could also be accompanied by a label that specifies certain characteristics (e.g., the type of liquid medicament(s) within the vial or the day/time the liquid medicament(s) should be applied). Those skilled in the art will recognize that a series of vials could be organized in many different ways, including as part of a packet of vials.

Terminology

Brief definitions of terms, abbreviations, and phrases used throughout the specification are given below.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in some embodiments” are not necessarily referring to the same embodiments, nor are they necessarily referring to separate or alternative embodiments that are mutually exclusive of one another. Various features are described that may be exhibited by some embodiments but not others. Similarly, various requirements are described that may be requirements for some embodiments but not others.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and “comprising” are to be construed in an inclusive sense rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense (i.e., in the sense of “including, but not limited to”). The terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof includes any connection or coupling between two or more elements, either direct or indirect. The coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, devices may be coupled directly to one another or via one or more intermediary channels/devices. Devices may also be coupled in such a way that information can be passed there between, despite not sharing any physical connection with one another. The words “associate with,” meanwhile, mean connecting or relating objects, items, etc.

Where the context permits, words used in the singular sense or the plural sense may also be used in the plural sense or the singular sense, respectively. The word “or,” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list. If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,” “could,” or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic in every embodiment.

The terminology used in the Detailed Description is intended to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with certain embodiments. The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, in the context of the disclosure as a whole and in the specific context where each term is used. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted using, for example, capitalization, italics, and/or quotation marks. However, the use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term. The scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted.

Although alternative language and synonyms may be used for some terms, special significance is not to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any terms discussed herein, is intended to be illustrative only. The examples are not intended to limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to the various embodiments described below.

System Topology Overview

FIG. 1 depicts a conventional medication regimen that requires different liquid solutions (some or all of which may include medications) be applied as eye drops at different times throughout the day. Patients who have a chronic condition, such as glaucoma, are typically required to administer one or more medications in the form of eye drops.

A medication regimen may require that an individual (e.g., a patient or another individual, such as a family member or medical professional) administer medication(s) one or more times per day. In fact, some medications may be administered once per day, while other medications may be administered multiple times each day. Here, for example, Lumigan® (i.e., a bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) is to be applied each evening, while Timoptic® (i.e., a timolol maleate ophthalmic solution) is to be applied each morning and evening, and Alphagan® P (i.e., a brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) is to be applied each morning, afternoon, and evening. However, medication regimens like this often cause confusion. For example, a patient could become confused about which medication(s) to administer, when each medication should be administered, how much medication should be administered, etc.

Charts have traditionally been made that include information that makes it easier for a patient to adhere to the medication regimen. For instance, a chart may include the name of each medication, specify the bottle size, or be color coded based on the color of the bottle or cap. This is possible because each container includes multiple doses of medication that are to be administered over a period of days, weeks, or months. That is, each container includes a sufficient volume of medication for multiple doses (i.e., is a “multi-dose container” or “multi-use container”).

But multi-dose containers can also be problematic for patients who need to strictly adhere to medication regimens. For example, some patients quickly forget whether medication was administered because it can be difficult to notice when small amounts of medication have been ejected from a multi-dose container. As another example, some patients unexpectedly run out of medication because it can be difficult to determine how many doses remain in a multi-dose container.

FIG. 2 includes a graph illustrating that a majority of patients who are prescribed a medication regimen discontinue adherence in less than a year. In fact, fifty percent of patients on multi-dose medication regimens have been found to be noncompliant within four to five months, while fifty percent of patients on single-dose medication regimens have been found to be noncompliant within seven months. Similar non-adherence rates have been found across different types of medications, including alpha-adrenoceptor agonists (also referred to as “alpha agonists”), beta-adrenergic blocking agents (also referred to as “beta blockers”), However, non-adherence can be particularly troublesome when the underlying eye condition may cause irreversible damage. For example, failure to treat glaucoma could result in blindness.

FIGS. 3A-B depict single-use vials (also referred to as “single-dose vials”) containing liquid solution(s) that can be applied to one or both eyes. Each liquid solution typically includes a pre-existing medication (e.g., steroids, antihistamines, or antibiotics) that is chosen based on the eye condition being treated. Note, however, that in some embodiments a liquid solution does not include any medication, and could instead be intended to serve as a lubricating and/or tear-replacing solution.

FIG. 3A depicts a strip of multiple longitudinal vials 300 a-e. Each vial 300 a-e only includes enough liquid solution for a single dose, which is the ideal volume to maximize medication concentration and minimize excess liquid (which can result in local side effects). Other benefits include:

-   -   The ability to easily verify which dose(s) have been         administered;     -   The presence of clear instructions affixed on or near each vial;         and     -   The ability to easily organize/track upcoming dose(s).

Each vial 300 a-e can include a tear-away member 302 a-e (or some other easily removable member) that prevents the liquid solution from escaping, but allows an individual (e.g., a patient or another individual, such as a family member or medical professional) to readily administer the liquid solution(s) as eye drops. For example, some embodiments of the vial 300 a-e include a tear-away member or a twist-off member composed of the same material as the remainder of the vial, while other embodiments of the vial 300 a-e include a foil cap that can be peeled off the vial. Additionally or alternatively, a vial 300 a-e could include an end member that is intended to be punctured.

Generally, the liquid solution is ejected from an applicator tip 304 a-e when pressure is applied to the outer surface of the vial 300 a-e (e.g., due to an individual squeezing the vial 300 a-e). Some embodiments include mechanical components (e.g., a spring mechanism, a slider, or a pressure release) that cause a pressure to be applied to vial 300 a-e and/or the capsule(s) within the vial 300 a-e so that the liquid solution is guided through a microfluidic channel to the applicator tip 304 a-e. For example, rather than squeeze the vial 300 a-e, an individual could instead press a button that activates a spring mechanism, which causes at least some of the liquid solution contained in the vial 300 a-e to be ejected through the applicator tip 304 a-e.

As shown here, multiple vials 300 a-e can be connected to one another in a strip configuration. A strip may include all of the liquid solutions that are to be applied in a day, week, etc. Here, for example, the strip of vials 300 a-e includes two vials that are to be applied on Monday morning and three vials that are to be applied on Monday evening. As another example, strips for daily dosing regimens may include thirty vials having squeezable compartment(s) of liquid solution(s), while strips for bid dosing regiments may include sixty vials having squeezable compartment(s) of liquid solution(s).

Multiple vials can be organized into strips in a manner that facilitates more consistent adherence to a medication regimen. For example, a label 306 a-e could be disposed on or near each vial that indicates when the liquid solution(s) within each vial are to be applied. In some embodiments each label is affixed to the outside of the corresponding vial, while in other embodiments each label is affixed to a structural feature (e.g., a tab) connected to the corresponding vial. The labels 306 a-e may be color coded so that a patient can more easily adhere to a medication regimen. For example, specific colors could be used to visually distinguish certain types of medications or visually specify what time of day each vial should be used. The labels 306 a-e can include text that specifies the type of medicine, what day/date/time each vial should be used, whether the liquid solution is to be applied to one or both eyes, etc.

Accordingly, each label 306 a-e could include various pieces of information corresponding to a medication regimen that allow an individual to more easily administer liquid solution(s) in accordance with the medication regimen. Some of the information may be color coded or otherwise emphasized to highlight its importance. For instance, the name of the liquid solution may be color coded based on the color of its original, multi-dose container. The labels 306 a-e also allow the manufacturer of the vials 300 a-e and/or the liquid solution(s) within the vials 300 a-e to provide clear instructions on when and how the liquid solution(s) should be administered. Both the strip configuration and the presence of the labels 306 a-e make it easier to organize the vials 300 a-e and track administrations of liquid solution(s) (thereby also monitoring adherence to a medication regimen). Additionally or alternatively, the vials 300 a-e may include an outer color coding that visually conveys information, such as the type of liquid solution within each vial.

In some embodiments, each of the vials 300 a-e is removable from the strip following administration of the liquid solution(s). For example, an indentation or perforation may exist between each pair of vials that allows the individual to readily separate a given vial from the strip. Such a design not only makes it easier for the individual to administer the liquid solution(s) (e.g., by handling a single vial rather than an entire strip), but also makes it easier to verify whether a dose has been administered.

The vials 300 a-e may be composed of different materials based on intended use duration, exposure, etc. For example, the vials 300 a-e could be constructed using food-grade materials such as plastic, rubber, etc. More specifically, some vials 300 a-e are composed of silicon-based organic polymers (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)) that are optically clear, non-toxic, and durable. As another example, the vials 300 a-e could be constructed using light-resistant (e.g., ultraviolet-resistant) plastics that conform to certain standards for light transmission and/or protection from contamination. As yet another example, the vials 300 a-e may be constructed of material(s) that are biocompatible, resistant to variations in temperature, tolerant of various pH ranges, and/or chemically stable for transportation and storage. Thus, the vials 300 a-e could be designed so that the entire strip is recyclable.

FIG. 3B, meanwhile, depicts an arrangement of multiple bubbles (also referred to as “capsules”). Much like the longitudinal vials of FIG. 3A, the bubbles can be individually extracted from the arrangement to allow for easier administration of the liquid solution(s) within each bubble.

In some embodiments, a bubble is designed to retain multiple liquid solutions. Here, for example, a dual-chamber capsule is shown that includes a divider, which separates a first chamber including a first liquid solution from a second chamber including a second liquid solution. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a bubble could include any number of dividers in any type of arrangement. For example, some embodiments include a cross-shaped divider that creates four separate chambers, while other embodiments include a T-shaped divider that created three separate chambers. The divider can also be used to intelligently divide the internal volume of the bubble. For example, the T-shaped divider may allow a first liquid solution to have double the volume or a second liquid solution and a third liquid solution.

The divider can be comprised of plastic, rubber, etc. However, the divider is typically comprised of a material having a higher tensile strength than the housing of the bubble. Thus, when an individual applies pressure to the bubble, the housing may deform/rupture while the divider remains intact. Consequently, the bubbles may be functionally similar to the discrete capsules included in a longitudinal vial. For example, an individual may be able to sequentially administer multiple liquid solutions contained within a single bubble by applying varying pressures.

FIG. 4A depicts a series of single-use vials 400 a-d that include multiple liquid solutions in discrete capsules 402 a-h that can be simultaneously or sequentially administered. Because mixed combinations of different medications require additional approval processes, the liquid solutions within the discrete capsules 402 a-h are kept separate from one another. Said another way, if multiple liquid solutions containing different medications were mixed, the mixed liquid solution could be considered a new formulation by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (and thus be subject to clinical trials). However, rather than using discrete capsules 402 a-h for each liquid solution, some embodiments instead use multi-chambered capsules that include a divider that separates chambers including different liquid solutions.

Here, however, each vial 400 a-d can include a separate microfluidic channel for each discrete capsule 402 a-h that prevents the corresponding liquid solutions from mixing until entering the tear sac of the eye. Consequently, simultaneously ejecting the liquid solutions from a vial 400 a-d may be substantially equivalent to administering the liquid solutions sequentially from conventional containers. For example, an individual can administer the two different liquid solutions contained in discrete capsules 402 a-b by simply squeezing the corresponding vial 400 a. Electronic mechanisms for controlling flow and/or mixing are purposefully left out of some embodiments in order to decrease cost and complexity, as well as eliminate one possible failure point for properly administering the liquid solution(s).

Multiple discrete capsules within a vial could have the same or different volumes. For example, some vials could include two discrete capsules having a volume of 15 microliters (μl) (i.e., 30 μl total volume), while other vials could include three discrete capsules having a volume of 15 μl (i.e., 45 μl total volume). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the volume of each discrete capsule may vary based on the amount of liquid solution necessary to treat the eye condition. Generally, the discrete capsules vary in volume from 15 μl to 45 μl. Moreover, the discrete capsules within a single vial could have the same volume or different volumes.

A small, extended applicator tip 404 a-d aids in more accurate drop placement and more precise release of drops having a certain size. The applicator tips 404 a-d could be designed based on one or several constraints. For example, an applicator tip may be sufficiently narrow so that one or more drops are dispensed when an individual applies pressure to the outer surface of the vial 400 a-d. More specifically, the length of the applicator tip may be designed to that the capillary surface tension maintains a substantially continuous flow of liquid solution in approximately 10-15 μl drops, much like a micropipette, rather than the 40-50 μl drops created by conventional droppers.

However, those skilled in the art will recognize the other volumes (e.g., 5-10 μl or 25-30 μl) may also be desirable, and the applicator tips 404 a-d may be designed to consistently produce drops of those sizes. Consequently, in some embodiments the microfluidic flow channels leading from the discrete capsules 402 a-h to the applicator tips 404 a-d have different characteristics that allow drops of different sizes to be mixed/dispensed with precision. For example, an applicator tip configured to dispense larger drops may have a dispersal cavity having a larger diameter or could be connected to microfluidic channel(s) having larger diameters.

Various embodiments of the applicator tips 404 a-d may also include a curved shape to rest over the dome of an individual's nose, a blunted tip to avoid scraping an individual's cornea, etc. Moreover, the length of each applicator tip 404 a-d may be such that the capillary surface tension maintains a substantially continuous flow of liquid solution (and, thus, a substantially consistent concentration of medicine within the ejected liquid solution). Other delivery mechanisms could also be used.

The applicator tips 404 a-d may be designed to facilitate more effective administration of the liquid solution(s) within the vial. For example, the applicator tips 404 a-d can be designed to minimize the mixing of two or more liquid solutions before administration into the eye. As another example, the applicator tips 404 a-d can be designed to begin mixing two or more liquid solutions immediately before (e.g., by merging multiple microfluidic channels) or after (e.g., by directing the output of multiple microfluidic channels into a single stream) dispersal from the applicator tip 404 a-d. Other embodiments of the applicator tips 404 a-d can be designed to minimize risk of eye abrasion, ensure minimal loss of liquid solution (e.g., liquid solution can be administered directly into the eye regardless of hand-eye coordination or vial orientation), etc. For example, some applicator tips 404 a-d are partially or entirely composed of a softer hydrophobic polymer that is non-abrasive if contact is made with the eye.

In some embodiments, the applicator tips 404 a-d are removable from an interface of the vial that exposes the microfluidic channel(s) leading to the discrete capsule(s). For example, an applicator tip could be detachably connected using an adhesive, screwed onto complementary threads on the interface, snapped onto complementary mechanical features (e.g., protrusions, cavities, clips) on the interface, etc. Thus, an applicator tip could be cleanable and reusable (e.g., a single reusable applicator tip could be provided with a strip of multiple vials). In some embodiments, the applicator tip is comprised of a flexible material (e.g., rubber) that allows the individual to administer liquid solution(s) with precision.

FIG. 4B depicts how microfluidic flow channels can be used to guide liquid solution from one or more discrete capsules to an applicator tip. In some embodiments, all of the discrete capsules within a given vial may dispense their corresponding liquid solutions simultaneously. As noted above, in such embodiments the liquid solutions may mix before being ejected from the applicator tip (e.g., within microfluidic channels leading from each discrete capsule to the applicator tip) or as the liquid solutions are being ejected by the applicator tip. Such a configuration is referred to as a “one-squeeze delivery.” The microfluidic flow channels may have different characteristics (e.g., diameters and layout) that allow liquid solutions from multiple discrete capsules to be mixed with precision. For example, the diameters of two microfluidic flow channels may vary based on whether the mixing ratio should be 1:1, 1.5:1, 2:1, 3:1, etc.

In other embodiments, the discrete capsules and microfluidic flow channels are arranged so that the liquid solutions are dispensed substantially sequentially. However, there may be some mixing of the liquid solutions due to, for example, residual liquid left behind following administration of a first liquid solution in a microfluidic channel and/or applicator tip. Sequential administration of the liquid solutions could be accomplished in a number of ways. For example, multiple discrete capsules could be arranged sufficiently far apart from one another within a vial such that an individual can apply pressure to each capsule individually. As another example, the multiple capsules may be made of materials having different tensile strengths (also referred to as “breaking strengths”), so the application of a slight pressure may only cause one capsule to break (and, thus, one liquid solution to be ejected). Sequential administration may be particularly desirable when it is preferable to have some amount of time (e.g., a minute or several minutes) between administrations of different liquid solutions.

Although a series of single-dose vials may be initially arranged in a strip configuration, each vial may be separately removable from the strip. For example, the strip may include indentations or perforations that allow individual vials to be readily detached from the strip. Accordingly, once the liquid solution(s) within a given vial have been administered, an individual could remove and dispose of that given vial while the other vials remain affixed in the strip.

FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of a process 500 for manufacturing single-dose vials that include one or more discrete capsules, which each include a liquid solution to be administered by an individual.

A substrate is initially retrieved that can be readily molded into one or more vials (step 501). As further described below, in some embodiments, the substrate is initially in the form of nurdles/resin, and thus must be fed into an extruder that melts the nurdles/resin and forms the melted resin. As shown above in FIG. 3B, the substrate could be an FDA-grade bubble wrap having a silicone coating that includes an anti-microbial additive (e.g., a fluorinated additive) to impede microbial growth/development. The FDA-grade bubble wrap can be comprised of substantially 100% virgin resin, such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP).

A liquid solution can then be injected into each of one or more discrete capsules (step 502). The capsule(s) could include the same liquid solution, similar liquid solutions, or different liquid solutions. For example, the capsule(s) could include different medications or different concentrations of the same medicine.

The capsule(s) can then be arranged on the substrate (step 503). The capsule(s) are typically arranged so that the liquid solution within each capsule will be ejected as pressure is applied to the corresponding capsule. For example, each capsule could be connected to a microfluidic channel that carries liquid solution form the capsule to an applicator tip that ejects the liquid solution (e.g., in 10-15 μl drops).

A vial can then be formed that houses the capsule(s) (step 504). Generally, the vial is made using a pliable material (e.g., plastic) that bends when pressure is applied to the outer surface of the vial, which causes pressure to then be applied to some or all of the capsule(s). In some embodiments, the vial also includes one or more mechanisms (e.g., mechanical sliders or puncture features) that allows the liquid solution within each capsule to be individually administered.

Moreover, each discrete capsule can be connected to an applicator tip (or an output end capable of interfacing with a detachable applicator tip) via a microfluidic flow channel Each discrete capsule could be, for example, 10-20 μl. Accordingly, a vial including two capsules may include 20-40 μl of fluids (as well as two microfluidic flow channels) and a vial including three capsules may include 30-60 μl (as well as three microfluidic flow channels).

The capsule(s) and/or the vial could be produced via standard manufacturing processes. For example, a virgin resin (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene) could be extruded and melted using a vacuum, and then passed through a roller to reduce the virgin resin to a desired thickness. The processed virgin resin can then be vacuumed to a predefined mold having the desired cavity size (e.g., 1/16″ thick by ⅛″ diameter). Once the cavities have been molded, the entire sheet can be passed through sterile hood(s) where medication can be injected in appropriate aliquots into the cavities. Another layer of virgin resin can then be affixed to the molded layer of virgin resin and used to seal the capsules. Both layers of virgin resin may be placed under the sterile hood(s) and bonded together (e.g., by a mechanical press and/or curing fixtures) prior to segmenting the vials. In some embodiments, a coating (e.g., an antimicrobial coating) is applied to the outer surface of both layers of virgin resin.

In some embodiments, multiple vials are left connected to one another to form a strip (step 505). The term “strip” includes row configurations and sheet configurations from which individual vials can be sequentially extracted. For example, a sheet configuration may be substantially similar to the configuration of bubble wrap. This allows individuals (e.g., patients and other individuals, such as family members and medical professionals) to easily keep track of which dose(s) have been administered. Said another way, the strip configuration may make it easier to monitor compliance with a medication regimen.

The number of doses can be labeled sequentially (e.g., first dose, second dose, etc.), temporally (e.g., morning and/or evening), etc. Thus, the concentrations of liquid medicament in a strip of vials may vary (e.g., concentration may decrease over time). Also may have equivalent labeling/markings for foreign languages.

FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram of a process 600 for administering a liquid solution (e.g., a saline-based solution that includes a medication) from a single-dose vial. An individual initially acquires a vial that includes one or more capsules containing a liquid solution to be administered (step 601). In some embodiments, the vial is one of multiple vials that are connected to one another. The multiple vials may include the same liquid solution or different liquid solutions. For example, the multiple vials may include liquid solutions having varying concentrations of a medication. The multiple vials may be designed such that the individual can easily administer the liquid solution within each vial over a period of times. Accordingly, if the vial is one of multiple vials that are connected to one another (e.g., in a strip), the individual can detach the vial (step 602).

The individual can then position the vial over one of the eyes (step 603). Generally, the vial will only include enough liquid solution for administer into one eye. However, in some instances the vial may include enough liquid solution for the individual to sequentially administer the liquid solution into each eye. After the vial has been arranged over the eye, pressure can be applied to the outer surface of the vial (step 604). More specifically, pressure can be applied to the capsule within the vial that causes the liquid solution to flow from the capsule to an applicator tip via a microfluidic channel (e.g., the capsule may burst, deform, or be punctured). For example, the individual (e.g., a patient or medical professional, such as a nurse or ophthalmologist) may squeeze the vial itself or press a button that causes a mechanism to apply the pressure.

Moreover, in some embodiments, the vial itself is designed so that the liquid solution can be readily applied by an individual who suffers from, for example, poor dexterity, arm strength, or hand-eye coordination. For example, the vial may be designed so that it can rest on the individual's nose and naturally be arranged over one or both eyes. Application of the pressure causes liquid solution to be dispensed from some or all of the capsule(s) housed within the vial. More specifically, each liquid solution travels from the corresponding capsule to the applicator tip via a microfluidic channel, and then is ejected from the applicator tip (step 605). The applicator tip may be designed to consistently eject drop of substantially the size (e.g., 10-15 μl).

Unless contrary to physical possibility, it is envisioned that the steps described above may be performed in various sequences and combinations. For instance, the patient could detach the vial from a strip of multiple vials before or after administering the liquid solution(s) contained within the vial. Other steps could also be included in some embodiments. For example, some liquid solutions may require the individual perform an action (e.g., shaking the vial) prior to administration of the liquid solution to the eye.

Remarks

The foregoing description of various embodiments of the claimed subject matter has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Embodiments were chosen and described in order to best describe the principles of the technology and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the relevant art to understand the claimed subject matter, the various embodiments, and the various modifications that are suited to the particular uses contemplated.

No matter how detailed the specification appears, embodiments of the technology can be practiced in many ways. Details of the technology may vary considerably in its implementation details while still being encompassed by the specification. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of various embodiments should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the technology to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless those terms are explicitly defined herein. Accordingly, the actual scope encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the technology that are covered by the claims.

The language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope not be limited by the specification, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based hereon. Accordingly, the disclosure of various embodiments is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the technology. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for administering a single dose of an ophthalmic solution, the apparatus comprising: a vial that includes a substantially transparent housing, multiple fluid containers disposed within the substantially transparent housing, wherein each fluid container of the multiple fluid containers contains a different ophthalmic solution, and wherein the multiple fluid containers are comprised of materials having different tensile strengths, which enables the different ophthalmic solutions contained in the multiple fluid containers to be sequentially administered in response to multiple applications of varying pressures, and a microfluidic flow channel through which ophthalmic solution is guided when a pressure is applied to the substantially transparent housing that causes deformation of at least one fluid container; and an applicator tip from which ophthalmic solution is ejected in the form of one or more droplets.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator tip is detachably connectable to a physical interface of the substantially transparent housing.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substantially transparent housing is comprised of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each fluid container of the multiple fluid containers is connected to a corresponding microfluidic flow channel in fluid communication with the applicator tip.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator tip is designed such that the different ophthalmic solutions contained in the multiple fluid containers mix before ejection from the applicator tip.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator tip is designed such that the different ophthalmic solutions contained in the multiple fluid containers mix after ejection from the applicator tip.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each fluid container of the multiple fluid containers includes 15 microliters to 45 microliters of ophthalmic solution. 